Olivet College Invites Public to Viewing of Solar Eclipse

Olivet College invites the public to a viewing of the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, from 12:50 to 3:50 p.m. at Beman Observatory in the Mott Academic Center. Admission is free.

Eric Sullivan, adjunct professor of astronomy, will answer questions and explain the eclipse. This solar eclipse will be visible from the entire North America, Greenland, Iceland, a small area of Western Europe, Central America, and much of the northern part of South America.

Although this event is listed as a total solar eclipse, only a few states will be able to view the eclipse in its totality. At the peak of the total solar eclipse, the moon will cover the sun for up to two minutes, 40.1 seconds. The width of the shadow totality near that position is 71 miles. Michigan will only experience a partial eclipse. The states that will experience total darkness include various parts of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The next total solar eclipse for the United States will be on April 8, 2024.

During an eclipse, viewers should not look directly at the sun. Viewing without proper eye protection can cause eye damage. Astronomers recommend approved solar filters or a #13 or #14 welder’s mask.